TRUE GENTLEMAN JOURNAL
THIS BELONGS TO
TABLE OF CONTENTS TG JOURNAL
WEEK 1: WELCOME & SAE ORIENTATION
EDUCATION MEETING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 CHAPTER MEETING BROTHER TO BROTHER LESSON. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 E-COURSE REFLECTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 END-OF-WEEK ACTIVITY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
WEEK 2: THE FOUNDING, 1856 TO 1900
EDUCATION MEETING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 CHAPTER MEETING BROTHER TO BROTHER LESSON. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 E-COURSE REFLECTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 END-OF-WEEK ACTIVITY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
WEEK 3: THE 20TH CENTURY
EDUCATION MEETING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 CHAPTER MEETING BROTHER TO BROTHER LESSON. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 E-COURSE REFLECTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 END-OF-WEEK ACTIVITY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
WEEK 4: MEMBERSHIP FOR LIFE
EDUCATION MEETING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 E-COURSE REFLECTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 END-OF-WEEK ACTIVITY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
TOPOI REFLECTION
E-COURSE PREPARATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
NOTES
WEEK 1: WELCOME & SAE ORIENTATION
WELCOME TO THE BROTHERHOOD
Name Hometown Area of Study Why did you choose to join SAE? Write one to two sentences in the space below.
SCHEDULE-AT-A-GLANCE
Use these calendars to develop your timeline for our meetings. Also, align this calendar with your college syllabi to support your time management skill development.
AUGUST 2026
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday 1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
TRUE GENTLEMAN JOURNAL
3
WEEK 1: WELCOME & SAE ORIENTATION WELCOME TO THE BROTHERHOOD
SEPTEMBER 2026 Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
FROM FRAT BOY TO TRUE GENTLEMEN Copy SAE’s Mission Statement from the slide:
Copy SAE’s Vision Statement from the slide:
4
SIGMA ALPHA EPSILON
WEEK 1: WELCOME & SAE ORIENTATION
WELCOME TO THE BROTHERHOOD
THE TRUE GENTLEMAN CREED | JOHN WALTER WAYLAND The True Gentleman is the man whose conduct proceeds from good will and an acute sense of propriety, and whose selfcontrol is equal to all emergencies; who does not make the poor man conscious of his poverty, the obscure man of his
obscurity, or any man of his inferiority or deformity. Who is himself humbled if necessity compels him to humble another; Who does not flatter wealth, cringe before power, or boast of his own possessions or achievements. Who speaks with
frankness, but always with sincerity and sympathy. Whose deed follows his word, who thinks of the rights and feelings of others rather than his own, and who appears well in any company. A man with whom honor is sacred and virtue safe.
Which phrase from the Creed has value, importance, or impact as you begin your SAE journey? Write, highlight, or circle the phrase, then write 2-3 sentences explaining your choice.
FORMAL COMMITMENT TO SAE
Your brothers are here to welcome and support you. If you have questions or concerns, or feel you are being asked to do something that violates SAE’s values or our health-and-safety policies, please contact any of the people in the table below. Title
Name
Phone
Eminent Archon (Pres.) Member Educator Health & Safety Officer Chapter Advisor Alumni Advisor Chapter Services Consultant Director of Learning Innovation
Dustin Stewart
dstewart@sae.net
(770) 845-0683
Instructional Design Specialist
Dr. Scott Slechta
sslechta@sae.net
(224) 275-4096
TRUE GENTLEMAN JOURNAL
5
LOCAL CHAPTER HISTORY
CHAPTER MEETING BROTHER-TO-BROTHER LESSON
CHAPTER INFORMATION PART 1 Chapter Name
Social Media Accounts
CHAPTER INFORMATION PART 2 Province Province Archon
CHAPTER INFORMATION PART 3 College/University IFC Advisor
CHAPTER INFORMATION PART 4 College/University Year of Establishment College/University Current Enrollment Date of Chapter’s Establishment Date of Chapter’s First Chartering Date of Chapter’s Loss of Charter & Reason Chapter’s Original Membership Count Chapter’s Current Membership Count
6
SIGMA ALPHA EPSILON
LOCAL CHAPTER HISTORY
CHAPTER MEETING BROTHER-TO-BROTHER LESSON
CHAPTER INFORMATION PART 5 Chapter Accomplishments (include as many rows as needed)
Fill in the table below if your chapter has done any programs or projects, philanthropies, or community service, or you
have any examples of accomplishment that are aligned to the four pillars of SAE: friendship, scholarship, leadership, and service (please, search your history or ask your alumni to identify your chapter’s accomplishments.) You should also acknowledge: ●
Notable members of the chapter
●
Awards and recognitions (from the fraternity, college, and/or community)
●
Notable historical events or chapter traditions
Event
TRUE GENTLEMAN JOURNAL
Date
Pillar
Why?
7
LOCAL CHAPTER HISTORY
CHAPTER MEETING BROTHER-TO-BROTHER LESSON
Challenges & Achievements
If your chapter has undergone calamity such as loss of charter, collegiate disciplinary action, or laws broken, which may include, but is not limited to, member hazing, alcohol incidents, sexual assault, etc., please identify these parts of your
history for transparency. Be sure to explain the intervention or resolution to that issue and the subsequent growth and development of the chapter!
Challenge
Achievement, Outcome, or Resolution
CHAPTER MEETING B2B LESSON: LOCAL CHAPTER HISTORY Write one to two sentences or two to three annotated bullet points for each question. What did you learn?
How is this connected to SAE’s Mission, Vision, or the True Gentleman?
Why is it important to know this information to be a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon?
8
SIGMA ALPHA EPSILON
WEEK 1 REFLECTION
E-COURSE REFLECTION & END-OF-WEEK ACTIVITY
MINERVA’S SHIELD E-COURSE REFLECTION
Write one to two sentences or two to three annotated bullet points for each question. What did you learn?
How is this connected to SAE’s Mission, Vision, or the True Gentleman?
Why is it important to know this information to be a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon?
SAE 101 E-COURSE REFLECTION
Write one to two sentences or two to three annotated bullet points for each question. What did you learn?
How is this connected to SAE’s Mission, Vision, or the True Gentleman?
Why is it important to know this information to be a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon?
TRUE GENTLEMAN JOURNAL
9
WEEK 1 REFLECTION
E-COURSE REFLECTION & END-OF-WEEK ACTIVITY
END-OF-WEEK BROTHERHOOD FRIENDSHIP ACTIVITY SAE’s Mission
Advancing the highest standards of friendship, scholarship, leadership and service for our members throughout life. Before or after the brotherhood activity, define what friendship means to you.
10
SIGMA ALPHA EPSILON
WEEK 2: THE FOUNDING, 1856 TO 1900 SAE VIRTUES: LOYALTY & FRIENDSHIP
The Founders of SAE created an organization that they imagined would last for many years to come. Since 1856, SAE has existed because of the loyalty and friendship of its members.
DEFINING THE VIRTUES: LOYALTY & FRIENDSHIP Define what loyalty means to you. You will learn the Ritual meaning of this virtue during the initiation.
Define what friendship means to you. You will learn the Ritual meaning of this virtue during the initiation.
THE FOUNDING OF SAE What was DeVotie’s purpose for establishing SAE? Copy the written statement exactly from the slide.
When and where was SAE founded?
TRUE GENTLEMAN JOURNAL
11
WEEK 2: THE FOUNDING, 1856 TO 1900 SAE VIRTUES: LOYALTY & FRIENDSHIP
List the founders’ names. Remember the acronym N-N-J-J-SWAT. First
Middle
Last
N
l
D
N
E
C
J
B
R
J
W
K
S
M
D
W
H
F
A
E
P
T
C
C
Why do you think DeVotie, 80 years after the founding of the first fraternity, decided to broaden SAE’s founding purpose to include loyalty and friendship instead of focusing only on academic prestige and success? Write a brief response of two to three sentences or two to three annotated bullet points.
BEWARE OF SECRET SOCIETIES Why were secret societies feared? Write a brief response.
12
SIGMA ALPHA EPSILON
WEEK 2: THE FOUNDING, 1856 TO 1900 SAE VIRTUES: LOYALTY & FRIENDSHIP
NAVIGATING THE WAR: WHAT WOULD YOU DO? Why were these founding brothers so committed to SAE despite the social, cultural, and political status of that time? Write a brief response of one to two sentences or one to two annotated bullet points.
How does the founders’ commitment demonstrate either loyalty or friendship? Write a brief response of one to two sentences or one to two annotated bullet points.
“YOU DECIDE!” ACTIVITY Scenario
What would you do?
What actually happened?
Scenario A A war shuts down your campus. You want to safeguard your chapter’s documents and ritual manuals to restart operations after the war. Where would they be safe? What do you do? Scenario B A war suspends fraternities’ activities nationwide. All members must serve in the armed forces. After the war, only your chapter survives. What are the next steps to rekindle the fraternity beyond your chapter and University? What do you do? Scenario C Post-war recruitment efforts are a struggle, and other fraternities offer to absorb your SAE chapter. You learn your fraternity might disband entirely, forever. What do you do? Scenario D A fellow brother, like one of you in this room, believes SAE should aggressively expand nationally, including to the northern and western states. What motivates his passion and ambition? What do you do? TRUE GENTLEMAN JOURNAL
13
WEEK 2: THE FOUNDING, 1856 TO 1900 SAE VIRTUES: LOYALTY & FRIENDSHIP
SURVIVING THE WAR: HERE’S WHAT THEY DID
What is the importance or significance of each name or place below, and what role did friendship or loyalty play? Who?
Importance or Significance?
Friendship / Loyalty
Lucy Pattie & Kentucky Chi
Kentucky Chi, Washington City Rho, and Virginia Omicron
Fraternal Zeal
Harry Bunting & his brothers
The Founders of SAE created an organization that they imagined would last for many years to come. Since 1856, SAE has existed because of the loyalty and friendship of its members.
How will you demonstrate loyalty and friendship to your brothers?
How will you demonstrate loyalty and friendship to your chapter?
How will you demonstrate loyalty and friendship to SAE?
14
SIGMA ALPHA EPSILON
WEEK 2: THE FOUNDING, 1856 TO 1900 SAE VIRTUES: LOYALTY & FRIENDSHIP
TG RECITATION, ANNOUNCEMENTS, AND NEXT STEPS The True Gentleman is the man whose conduct proceeds from good will and an acute sense of propriety, and whose selfcontrol is equal to all emergencies; who does not make the poor man conscious of his poverty, the obscure man of his
obscurity, or any man of his inferiority or deformity. Who is himself humbled if necessity compels him to humble another; Who does not flatter wealth, cringe before power, or boast of his own possessions or achievements. Who speaks with
frankness, but always with sincerity and sympathy. Whose deed follows his word, who thinks of the rights and feelings of others rather than his own, and who appears well in any company. A man with whom honor is sacred and virtue safe.
Which phrase from the Creed helps you understand the value, importance, or impact of loyalty or friendship? Write, highlight, or circle the phrase, then briefly explain your choice.
TRUE GENTLEMAN JOURNAL
15
SONGS OF SIGMA ALPHA EPSILON
CHAPTER MEETING BROTHER-TO-BROTHER LESSON
Write one to two sentences or two to three annotated bullet points for each question. What did you learn?
How is this connected to the virtue of loyalty or friendship?
Why is it important to know this information to be a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon?
16
SIGMA ALPHA EPSILON
WEEK 2 REFLECTION
E-COURSE REFLECTION & END-OF-WEEK ACTIVITY
A BUNT(ING) BECOMES A HOME RUN E-COURSE REFLECTION Write a brief response of one to two sentences or one to two annotated bullet points. What did you learn?
How is this connected to the virtues of friendship or loyalty?
Why is it important to know this information to be a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon?
THE GREEK LIFE ECO-MODEL E-COURSE REFLECTION
Write a brief response of one to two sentences or one to two annotated bullet points. What did you learn?
How is this connected to the virtue of loyalty or friendship?
Why is it important to know this information to be a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon?
TRUE GENTLEMAN JOURNAL
17
WEEK 2 REFLECTION
E-COURSE REFLECTION & END-OF-WEEK ACTIVITY
END-OF-WEEK BROTHERHOOD SCHOLARSHIP ACTIVITY SAE’s Mission
Advancing the highest standards of friendship, scholarship, leadership and service for our members throughout life. Before or after the brotherhood activity, define what scholarship means to you.
18
SIGMA ALPHA EPSILON
WEEK 3: THE 20TH CENTURY
SAE VIRTUES: HONOR & FRATERNITY
Now that we have a foundational understanding of the fraternity’s establishment and growth, we’ll focus on the 20th-
century events and people that shaped its further development. We will also apply the concepts of honor and fraternity with the symbolism of the Phoenix.
DEFINING THE VIRTUE: HONOR Define what honor means to you. You will learn the Ritual meaning of this virtue during the initiation.
THE HONORABLE MENTIONS OF THE EARLY 20TH CENTURY Take notes about each of the following Great, honorable SAEs of the early 20th-century. Who?
Importance or Significance?
Demonstration of honor?
William McKinley
William "Billy" Levere
Judge Alfred K. Nippert
DEFINING THE VIRTUE: FRATERNITY Define what fraternity means to you. You will learn the Ritual meaning of this virtue during the initiation.
TRUE GENTLEMAN JOURNAL
19
WEEK 3: THE 20TH CENTURY SAE VIRTUES: HONOR & FRATERNITY
PHOENIX EVENTS OF THE 20TH CENTURY
Order these key events in SAE history and note their importance or significance. Event Bank: Membership Eligibility • 200,000th Member • Animal House • Leadership School • Cabanantuan Alpha • 100,000 the Member • Ontario Alpha • Levere Memorial Temple Event
Year/Decade
Importance or Significance
Of the eight events, which one best reflects your definition of fraternity? Why? Write two to three sentences or two to three annotated bullet points.
20
SIGMA ALPHA EPSILON
WEEK 3: THE 20TH CENTURY
SAE VIRTUES: HONOR & FRATERNITY
TG RECITATION, ANNOUNCEMENTS, AND NEXT STEPS The True Gentleman is the man whose conduct proceeds from good will and an acute sense of propriety, and whose selfcontrol is equal to all emergencies; who does not make the poor man conscious of his poverty, the obscure man of his
obscurity, or any man of his inferiority or deformity. Who is himself humbled if necessity compels him to humble another; Who does not flatter wealth, cringe before power, or boast of his own possessions or achievements. Who speaks with
frankness, but always with sincerity and sympathy. Whose deed follows his word, who thinks of the rights and feelings of others rather than his own, and who appears well in any company. A man with whom honor is sacred and virtue safe.
Which phrase from the Creed helps you understand the value, importance, or impact of honor or fraternity? Write, highlight, or circle the phrase, then briefly explain your choice.
TRUE GENTLEMAN JOURNAL
21
VIRTUAL TOUR OF THE LMT
CHAPTER MEETING BROTHER-TO-BROTHER LESSON
Write one to two sentences or two to three annotated bullet points for each question. What did you learn?
How is this connected to the virtue of honor or fraternity?
Why is it important to know this information to be a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon?
22
SIGMA ALPHA EPSILON
WEEK 3 REFLECTION
E-COURSE REFLECTION & END-OF-WEEK ACTIVITY
MINERVA’S HIGHWAY E-COURSE REFLECTION
Write one to two sentences or two to three annotated bullet points for each question. What did you learn?
How is this connected to the virtue of honor or fraternity?
Why is it important to know this information to be a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon?
THE PHOENIX CYCLE E-COURSE REFLECTION
Write one to two sentences or two to three annotated bullet points for each question. What did you learn?
How is this connected to the virtue of honor or fraternity?
Why is it important to know this information to be a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon?
TRUE GENTLEMAN JOURNAL
23
WEEK 3 REFLECTION
E-COURSE REFLECTION & END-OF-WEEK ACTIVITY
END-OF-WEEK BROTHERHOOD SERVICE ACTIVITY SAE’s Mission
Advancing the highest standards of friendship, scholarship, leadership and service for our members throughout life. Before or after the brotherhood activity, define what service means to you.
24
SIGMA ALPHA EPSILON
WEEK 4: MEMBERSHIP FOR LIFE SAE TODAY & TOMORROW
You are about to join the ranks of more than 350,000 brothers of Sigma Alpha Epsilon.
DEFINING THE GUIDING PRINCIPLE: MEMBERSHIP IS FOR LIFE What does membership for life mean to you?
WHAT WOULD YOU DO? / HERE’S WHAT THEY DID Identify your scenario for discussion:
Scenario A: Your Fraternity is at a turning point: finances are strained, recruitment is low, member education is minimal, and retention is dismal. You need to decide how to structure the business in a way that meets the needs of the members while also ensuring the organization can thrive in the new century. What would you do? What possible solutions would you offer to address each of these pain points? Scenario B: In the era of DeVotie, as should be true even today, members were chosen based on their character. One’s membership was earned and maintained by living daily in accordance with high moral standards and holding their brothers accountable to the same. Recently, the Fraternity has been plagued by a culture of hazing and departure from DeVotie’s original purpose. What would you do? What solutions would you propose to address the problems and change the culture to return the Fraternity to its original purpose? Scenario C: In 2026, the internet, social media, and mobile devices have created an environment in which few things are private, and anything can become public. Conduct unbecoming of gentlemen has damaged SAE’s reputation in the public conscience; racism, sexism, alcohol abuse, sexual misconduct, and unmanaged social events are just a few issues. What would you do? What solutions would you propose to address the problems and redirect members back to the organization’s values and virtues? How would these solutions improve public perception? What were your possible solutions to the identified problem(s) for your scenario? What would you do?
Which of these three scenarios did you find the most impactful on SAE’s history? Why?
TRUE GENTLEMAN JOURNAL
25
WEEK 4: MEMBERSHIP FOR LIFE SAE TODAY & TOMORROW
LIST SAE’S FIVE BUSINESS GOALS: 1 2 3 4 5 Which role(s) interest you in Chapter Leadership?
Which National Education Program would you like to attend?
How will you involve yourself as an Alumnus?
26
SIGMA ALPHA EPSILON
WEEK 4: MEMBERSHIP FOR LIFE SAE TODAY & TOMORROW
TG RECITATION, ANNOUNCEMENTS, AND NEXT STEPS The True Gentleman is the man whose conduct proceeds from good will and an acute sense of propriety, and whose selfcontrol is equal to all emergencies; who does not make the poor man conscious of his poverty, the obscure man of his
obscurity, or any man of his inferiority or deformity. Who is himself humbled if necessity compels him to humble another; Who does not flatter wealth, cringe before power, or boast of his own possessions or achievements. Who speaks with
frankness, but always with sincerity and sympathy. Whose deed follows his word, who thinks of the rights and feelings of others rather than his own, and who appears well in any company. A man with whom honor is sacred and virtue safe.
After completing the educational meetings, how can you apply the text of The True Gentleman as you transition into being a True Gentleman of SAE for life? Write a brief explanation.
TRUE GENTLEMAN JOURNAL
27
WEEK 4 REFLECTION
E-COURSE REFLECTION & END-OF-WEEK ACTIVITY
SAE AFTER COLLEGE E-COURSE REFLECTION Write one to two sentences or one to two annotated bullet points. What did you learn?
How is this connected to the virtues of friendship, loyalty, honor and/or fraternity?
Why is it important to know this information to be a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon?
END-OF-WEEK BROTHERHOOD LEADERSHIP ACTIVITY: INITIATION SAE’s Mission
Advancing the highest standards of friendship, scholarship, leadership and service for our members throughout life. Before or after the brotherhood activity, define what leadership means to you.
28
SIGMA ALPHA EPSILON
TOPOI REFLECTION E-COURSE PREPARATION
As a culmination of your candidate for membership experience, you will reflect on and respond to the questions below to develop your topoi. Information about topoi can be found here. In Sigma Alpha Epsilon, topoi refers to a historical and foundational literary tradition established at the fraternity's founding in 1856. The system required each member to select a specific academic subject, or "topos", on which to write a series of essays for presentation at chapter literary meetings. This academic tradition provided the early intellectual foundation for the fraternity. Key details about the tradition include: ●
Origin: The term was suggested by founder Noble Leslie DeVotie and quickly became one of the cardinal points
●
Approval Process: Early minutes reveal that changing one's topic required national convention action, and a
● ●
in the fraternity's first constitution.
member had to make a very strong case to do so.
Evolution: As the primary focus of Greek life transitioned from literary and academic pursuits to a more social orientation in the late 19th century, the original topos essay system gradually faded.
Modern Revival: The tradition is kept alive by the ΣAE Historical Society, which hosts an annual Topoi Competition for collegiate and alumni members to submit academic, literary, or professional papers.
With this understanding, please use this week to respond to and reflect on each of the questions below. Your finished document must be submitted in the Learning Portal course by ____________________. You will also review this document at the end of each academic year to note your growth and development, not only in yourself but also in the fraternity.
TOPOI QUESTIONS 1. What did you learn through the onboarding experience?
2. As a collegian and an SAE member, how will you participate in your college experience? …in your chapter experience? What will you contribute to the college community? …your chapter? …the national Fraternity?
TRUE GENTLEMAN JOURNAL
29
TOPOI REFLECTION E-COURSE PREPARATION
3. After you graduate, what do you want your legacy to be, and how will you continue to be “a member for life”?
4. How will you ensure that you will embody the ideals of the SAE’s Mission in your life? (“To promote the highest standards of friendship, scholarship, and service for our members throughout life.”)
5. How will you ensure you embody SAE’s Vision in your life? (“True Gentlemen making our global community better.”)
6. How will you ensure that you will embody the ideals of the True Gentleman Creed in your life?
7. Why did you choose to join SAE? Return to your first TG Journal response and add further development.
30
SIGMA ALPHA EPSILON
NOTES
TRUE GENTLEMAN JOURNAL
31